The raw hardstyle scene is evolving rapidly, with ever harder kicks and a wave of new sounds. At the same time, there’s a growing counter-movement: a call for balance and a renewed appreciation for OG Raw. In the latest episode of PLAFONDDIENST – The Hardstyle Podcast, E-Force joins the table. He talks about the changing rawstyle landscape, his new label SEVEN Records, and a packed collab schedule with sixteen tracks in the works.
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“Back then, everyone was under one roof”
E-Force shares mixed feelings about today’s raw scene. “Back then, everyone was under one roof,” he says. “You started off a bit euphoric, then things gradually got harder, that’s how an event naturally built up. Nowadays, that’s mostly gone. You end up with half-empty area’s, because one half wants OG Raw and the other wants extreme raw. That division means we’re no longer sharing the same space and that fragments the scene.”
He sees the same divide playing out online. “Everyone tries to convince each other what’s cool. But I think: just let people enjoy what they like. If you think something’s dope, go listen to it, you don’t need to share your unfiltered opinion everywhere. It’s a shame that we’re no longer united under one roof.”
OG Raw is making a comeback
At the same time, E-Force sees a positive development: OG Raw is clearly making a comeback. “I think it’s a beautiful shift,” he says about the revival. “More and more promoters are giving both OG Raw and extreme raw a platform again. When I look at my own schedule, I see that balance returning. I really love that.” At more and more festivals, both styles now share the raw or even mainstage, bringing back the much-needed variation on the dancefloor.
He’s also noticed a new generation starting to rediscover OG Raw. “Sometimes I feel like they haven’t really experienced it yet. But then I get reactions from younger people saying, ‘Actually, I think that old-school sound is really cool.’ I used to expect mostly 30+ crowds at my shows, but now I’m seeing more young faces again.”
Festivals like REBiRTH and Intents are leading by example — REBiRTH featured a three-way B2B with Unresolved, Regain, and Rejecta. “And I’ll be on the Intents mainstage myself, B2B with Regain and Unresolved. That kind of programming is back — and that makes me excited. There was a time when it had disappeared for a while, but luckily there were still people asking: ‘Where’s the real hardstyle?’” says E-Force.
For him, it’s clear: OG Raw and extreme raw don’t need to compete, they can exist side by side. “We don’t need to hold hands, but I do hope everyone can be happy with where things are going.”
E-Force in the new episode of PLAFONDDIENST – The Hardstyle Podcast
In this episode of PLAFONDDIENST – The Hardstyle Podcast, E-Force speaks openly about the return of OG Raw, his vision for SEVEN Records, his growing list of collaborations, and the upcoming festival season. Listen to the full episode now on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform.
Footage via: Origins / SPARK
